National Allotments Week

National Allotment Week is an annual event that celebrates the benefits of allotments - small plots of land rented out for gardening, growing fruits and vegetables, or keeping small animals. 

The week takes place this week (August 12th to 18th), and the theme for 2024 is "Celebrating Biodiversity on UK Allotments". 

Topics being covered include Pollinators and wildlife, Eco-friendly pest control, Companion planting, and Soil health…..but we want to highlight how allotments can also positively affect our health.

It is increasingly acknowledged that gardens and green spaces are associated with better physical, social, and mental health. British physician Sir Muir Gray famously said that everyone needs a ‘Natural Health Service’ as well as a National Health Service, and the NHS has officially included social prescribing in its Long Term Plan since January 2019. 

In 2021, the RHS released research that revealed those who garden every day have well-being scores 6.6% higher and stress levels 4.2% lower than people who don’t garden at all. Surveying more than 6,000 people, the research showed a significant association between gardening more frequently and improvements in well-being, perceived stress, and physical activity.

Shropdoc Medical Director Dr Simon Chapple has his own allotment and regularly brings in vegetables and plants for the team.

He said: “I believe that our physical and mental health is deeply connected to our environment and the time we spend outdoors. Gardening and spending time in nature have been proven to reduce stress, improve mood, and promote a sense of calm.

“Whether it’s taking a moment to breathe fresh air, enjoying the satisfaction of growing your own food, or simply connecting with nature, these small acts can have a profound impact on our overall well-being.

“I’m delighted to share the fruits of my labour with my colleagues. Bringing in vegetables and plants is my way of promoting the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and showing appreciation for the hard work everyone puts in, often in very challenging circumstances. It’s a small gesture, but one that I hope inspires others to take time for themselves, to nurture their own well-being as they nurture others.

“In our demanding field, we must not forget to care for ourselves as we care for our patients. By engaging with the outdoors, whether through gardening, walking, or simply enjoying a bit of fresh air, we can all find a little more balance, resilience, and joy in our lives.”

So as we mark National Allotment Week, it is important to celebrate the biodiversity on allotments across the UK - the sites that provide habitats for plants, animals, insects and amphibians and create an environment where all life can thrive, especially in urban areas…

But we also celebrate the fact that allotments create an environment where we can thrive, green space that can reduce stress and anxiety and support our wellbeing.